Discussion Board 1
While I cannot speak for most pastors, I do believe the statement in this module’s
discussion board that “Some Christians and ministers do not feel it is important to
be informed or studied in scripture, philosophy, history, etc.” This lack of importance
seems to be a result of ministry becoming a profession that needs to cater to public
opinion in order to thrive. Kevin Vanhoozer states, “Too many pastors have
exchanged their vocational birthright for a bowl of lentil stew (Gen. 25:29–34; Heb.
12:16): management skills, strategic plans, “leadership” courses, therapeutic
techniques, and so forth.”[1] Vanhoozer adds, “What causes pastors to sink—or
rather, to shrink from the theological task—are the waves of public sentiment and
winds of public opinion that act as obstacles and temptations, hindering progress
toward their vocation of bringing others to maturity in Christ (cf. Eph. 4:14).”[2] By
pandering to the pressures of cancel culture that we see today, the gospel becomes
a watered-down version of the Christian faith.
f f f f f f f f f f f For Pastors and Christians alike, the importance of being informed in biblical
teachings, philosophy, and church history has never been more important than in the
days we live. Paul writes to Timothy, “Preach the word; be prepared in season and
out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful
instruction. For the time will come when people will not put up with sound doctrine.
Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of
teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear” (2 Tim. 4:2-3).[3] This time is
now, and pastors must not lose the vision but preach the truths found in Scripture
that bring hope and allow the hearer to gain life.
f f f f f f f f f f f Furthermore, pastors and Christians are called to speak into the things of our
culture. The Bible should be our primary source for all things ethical. In the course
video, Dr. Fred Smith states, “The Bible is recognized as the final authority on all
matters.”[4] Therefore, while public pressures may be focused on the approval of
abortion, same-sex marriage, and gender identity, pastors must speak God’s truth in
love. Without the foundational truths found in God’s word spoken, not only to
congregations but the public, non-believers and those who proclaim belief, will drift
further and further from God. Smith states, “It [Christian Ethics] supports our call to
the world to repentance.”[5] May I continue to carry the fire that faithful pastors
before me have carried.
[1] Kevin Vanhoozer and Owen Strachan, The Pastor as Public Theologian:
Reclaiming a Lost Vision, (Grand Rapids: Baker Academics, 2015), 1.
[2] Ibid., 2.
[3] Unless otherwise stated all Scripture is from
The New International Version.
[4] Jeff Smith, Course Video: Dimensions of Christian Ethics, (Liberty University,
2021).
[5] Ibid.
